More encryption options
Still not satisfied? Here are a few more encryption options you could try out.
Virtual Matrix Encryption
Meganet Corporation claims its Virtual Matrix Encryption (VME) products are unbreakable forms of desktop encryption. In fact, the company claims that the encryption is so secure that it is giving a Ferrari 360 to the first person to break into an encrypted file. The VME software uses 1,048,576-bit symmetric key encryption in conjunction with a series of virtual matrices. The large encryption key makes this type of encryption much more resistant to brute force attacks than similar products, such as EFS, which relies on a mere 128-bit key.
Virtual Matrix Encryption comes in several flavors, but the version most suitable for enterprise laptops and desktops is VME 2000. Its base price is US$100 per copy for individual licenses. Corporate packages are available if you contact Meganet Corporation directly. CHAOS
Another encryption product is CHAOS. Unlike Virtual Matrix Encryption, which costs a hundred bucks US, the entry-level version of CHAOS (ABC CHAOS) is free. There are also versions of CHAOS that encrypt e-mail and compress and then encrypt files. These alternative versions are available from the CHAOS Web site for around US$40 to US$60 dollars each. Although CHAOS is based on a public key infrastructure (PKI), we were unable to find any information available on CHAOS key strength on the Web site.
CipherPack
Although CipherPack from VIO Systems Limited is geared toward secure file transmission, it can also be used for desktop file security. CipherPack is a symmetric, multikey encryption product with a maximum key size of 120 bits. There’s also a Pro version of the software based on the SHA-1 and AES encryption algorithms.
Rather than simply applying encryption to a folder as other products do, CipherPack creates an archive file containing all of the encrypted files. Because of this, CipherPack is an ideal solution for securely distributing software over the Internet. The recipient doesn’t even need a copy of CipherPack because the compressed file also contains decryption software. The recipient must simply enter the encryption key to launch the decryption process. CipherPack costs about US$40 for the standard version and about US$60 for the professional version.
ImageX
ImageX is an innovative product from TopLang Software Studio. Any file you want to encrypt is encrypted and embedded into a JPEG file. That way, whether you need to send the file to someone or you just want to hide a file on your PC, the file appears to be a JPEG. If someone tries to open the file without using the ImageX software, they will see only a picture. The only hint that there’s more to the picture than meets the eye is the file size. TopLang’s Web site offers a freeware version of ImageX and a full version is available for US$18. The full version requires users to enter some credentials before the JPEG’s underlying data file is revealed and allowed to be decrypted.
For more information on encryption options, and to check product pricing and distribution, check the September issue of Technology and Business Magazine.
